Home of the Infantry Regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire
War Diary
Detail
1944-09-10
| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | M.E.F. Jebel Mazar, Syria |
| Entry | [War diary for this month commences with the following brief precis of the month's activities] This month was important both from the point of view of its history and the training. The historical significance of the month lies in the fact thet GENERAL SIR WILLIAM PLATT G.B.E., K.C.B., D.SO., now C-in-C EAST AFRICA, The Colonel of the Wiltshire Regt, visited the Battalion during this month. This was the first time he had visited his old battalion, which he commanded in 1931 when it was stationed at PLYMOUTH, since he became Colonel of the Regiment. His stay lasted 2 days and he said when he was leaving that he had enjoyed every minute of it. As regards training the month was spent almost entirely on training in tank and infantry co-operation with the 14 SCINDE HORSE. It was the first time that a great many of the officers and men had taken part in this sort of training and all benefited from it. Nevertheless in spite of the importance of the training, the programme was so arranged that the officers and men of the battalion who had not had their leave, were able to spend 6 days in BEIRUT. Recreational activities also went with a swing, football being by far the most popular game, followed closely by basket-ball and baseball. A battalion swimming team took part in a gala at BEIRUT. Although the members were out of training, the team distinguished itself and succeeded in reaching the finals, but failed to secure a place. [War diary re-commences from here 1 - 10th] These ten days were spent by each company in turn, spending a complete day or more with a Sqn of tanks, so that all ranks could closely examine a tank and see both its mechanical performance and firepower. When the companies were not with the tanks, they continued with normal coy and platoon training and improving the standard of shooting with all weapons. Each rifle platoon in the battalion did a standard field firing scheme. The platoon that did best, repeated the scheme as a demonstration to the whole battalion. |
